LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2014

SUPPLEMENTARY GUIDANCE on THE GREEN NETWORK

GREEN NETWORK

CONTENTS page page

1.0 Introduction 2 4.0 Delivery of The Green Network 13

• Background • Guidance for Developers

• Status of the Guidance • Design Principles

• Site Appraisal 2.0 Green Network 3 • Summary • What is a Green Network?

• Planning Principles to Deliver the Green Network

• Why are Green Networks Important?

• Key Functions of the Green Network

• The Green Network Hierarchy

3.0 The Inverclyde Green Network 8

• Vision for the Inverclyde Green Network

• Policy

• Assets

• Proposed Green Network Projects in Inverclyde

INVERCLYDE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1 GREEN NETWORK

1.0 INTRODUCTION The Guidance is aimed at:

Background • Developers and professionals considering new projects;

This document sets out the Inverclyde Council requirements for the appraisal • Communities/interest groups considering the impact of a proposed and delivery of green infrastructure and green networks through development development; and management processes. It explains the role of each and seeks to demonstrate how better places can be delivered through the provision of well designed, • Local authority Officers and Councillors considering planning multi-functional and inter-connected networks of open spaces. applications

Section 2 describes what a Green Network is along with its key functions while Status of the Guidance section 3 provides information on the existing Green Network assets, the key opportunities for enhancements, and how Inverclyde Council will determine As well as supplementing the LDP, this guidance has been prepared to meet the need for on and off-site contributions to the Green Network. Section 4 of the requirements of Scottish Planning Policy 2014 – the document sets out the approach to consider green networks as part of the site appraisal and design process. This will be used by Inverclyde Council ‘Planning should protect, enhance and promote green infrastructure, to help frame pre-application discussions with developers about their including open space and green networks, as an integral component proposals, while also ultimately providing a framework by which Council staff of successful placemaking.’ will assess the quality of the green network component of planning applications. It will be adopted as statutory Supplementary Guidance under the Planning This document provides guidance to supplement Policy ENV3 - ‘Safeguarding etc () Act 2006 when the Inverclyde Local Development Plan is and Enhancing the Green Network’ in the Inverclyde Local Development Plan adopted and will be a material consideration for the Council in the assessment (LDP) 2014. of all planning applications.

It is the aim of the Green Network policy to safeguard existing spaces whilst It is intended that this guidance will be used in tandem with other Council also identifying and creating links between spaces, as appropriate documents such as the Council Open Space Strategy, the Core Paths Plan opportunities arise through development. Green or open spaces need to be and Riverside Inverclyde Urban Development Framework (2007), as well as embedded in developments from the outset to ensure that proper attention ’s Designing Places and Designing Streets policy is paid to their contribution to the overall area. documents. The Scottish Government has also published Green Infrastructure Design and Placemaking, which also provides good practice examples of The Council’s recognition of the benefits of quality open space (including how to integrate green infrastructure within placemaking. water courses and other bodies of water) in the ongoing regeneration process in Inverclyde will be taken forward through this Supplementary Guidance on Three recent publications dealing with Inverclyde, the ERZ and Ironside Farrar the Green Network. studies on Area Renewal and the Green Network and the Integrated Green Infrastructure (IGI) Design Study for Spango Valley have investigated how to take Green Network opportunities forward in the area.

2 INVERCLYDE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN GREEN NETWORK

2.0 GREEN NETWORK Diagram 1 below shows how individual sites can be used for multiple functions and then in turn how multi-functional sites can be linked with other surrounding What is a Green Network? single use or multi-functional spaces.

Green Networks – Connected areas of green infrastructure and open space that together form an integrated and multi-functional network. It comprises DIAGRAM 1 - MULTI-FUNCTIONAL and INTER-CONNECTED SPACES natural, semi natural and man-made green spaces which are linked together to form corridors both within and outwith settlements and to connect the urban area with the surrounding countryside. These spaces and corridors combine to enhance the areas’ biodiversity, increase opportunities for physical activity and provide a good working environment for business investment.

Green Infrastructure – Includes the ‘green’ and ‘blue’ (water environment) features of the natural and built environments that can provide benefits without being connected. Green features include parks, woodlands, trees, play spaces, allotments, community growing spaces, playing fields, hedges, verges and gardens. Blue features include rivers, lochs, wetlands, canals, other water courses, ponds, swales, coastal and marine areas including beaches, porous paving and sustainable urban drainage systems.

Open Space – Space consisting of any vegetated land or structure, water, path or geological feature within and on the edge of settlements, and civic space consisting of squares, market places and other paved or hard landscaped areas with a civic function. Some spaces may combine green and civic elements.

Planning Principles to Deliver the Green Network

Central to Green Networks are the core principles of multi-functionality and inter-connectedness.

• Multi-functionality is where spaces have the ability to perform several functions and provide several benefits on the same area through the integration of different activities and land uses to maximise efficiency; eg open spaces used as amenity spaces which can also be used for education about the natural environment.

• Inter-connectedness, particularly physical inter-connectedness, can enhance public engagement with the natural environment and improve opportunities for biodiversity migration.

INVERCLYDE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 3 GREEN NETWORK

There are a number of types of spaces and ways in which they can be linked: Stepping Stones

Cores / Hubs

Glen Street,

Birkmyre Park,

Isolated areas of habitat, between which many plant and animal species can move over short distances. These intermittent spaces such as street trees, roadside verges and private gardens can functionally connect habitats and facilitate movement without the provision of continuous links. Large areas of existing or new green space which already deliver a wide range of Green Network benefits such as parks and school grounds. The aim is Isolated Green Spaces to protect and expand these areas to create new cores /hubs and to develop corridors to link them together.

Corridors/ Links

Allotments, Greenock

Greenock Cut

There are always likely to be some isolated green spaces which are difficult to connect. Although of more limited function than interconnected networks of green spaces, they can still provide substantial benefits to local communities. Continuous corridors of green space along roads, rivers, disused and existing railways, paths and cycleways which connect cores/hubs. A key aim is to increase the number, continuity, visual interaction and functionality of these corridors.

4 INVERCLYDE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN GREEN NETWORK

Why are Green Networks Important? Key Functions of the Green Network

Safeguarding and enhancing the Green Network will also contribute towards The Green Network provides a range of beneficial outcomes: meeting the strategic local outcomes of the Inverclyde Alliance. The Inverclyde Alliance is the Community Planning Partnership for Inverclyde, involving community organisations as well as the voluntary, business and public sectors. It aims to deliver better outcomes for the community by tackling the big issues in Inverclyde through the promotion of partnership working.

In 2012, the Inverclyde Alliance Board approved the revised Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) for 2012 – 2017. The SOA identifies 8 strategic local outcomes and sets out the context in which they have been developed, identifying the priorities and issues that affect the lives of the people of Inverclyde. Of particular relevance to the Green Network are Single Outcome Agreement Climate Change (SOA) 4 aimed at improving the health of people in Inverclyde and SOA 7 making Inverclyde a place where people want to live now and safeguarding • Reduction of carbon emissions through provision of non-vehicular the environment for future generations. travel routes for walking and cycling

The Green Network is also a means of contributing to the outcomes of the • Effective and efficient means of dealing with surface water and Active Living Strategy for Inverclyde which was approved in March 2013 and flooding through living roofs, large trees and soft landscaping to seeks to encourage the population of Inverclyde to be more active more absorb rainfall often throughout their daily lives. • Reduction in urban heat in the summer and greater shelter in the winter from increased tree canopy cover

• Energy savings through natural rather than engineered solutions

• Reduction in use of fossil fuels through the use of locally sourced supplies of timber, biomass and other bio-fuels

INVERCLYDE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 5 GREEN NETWORK

Greenock v Weirs Clyde Square, Greenock

Courtesy of InverclydeNow.com Placemaking Health • Reinforcement of the local landscape character • Quality green spaces for walking, cycling and play encourage exercise • Creating a strong local identity and character and active travel • • Making places that are beautiful, interesting and distinctive Attractive locations allow for enjoyment of recreation and relax

• Access to green spaces and breathing spaces provide benefits for mental well-being

• Opportunities for growing food locally contribute to healthy eating

Pottery Street, Greenock

Economic Community Event - Battery Park • Attractive settings provide spaces in which existing businesses will remain and new ones will invest

• Vibrant places encourage staff recruitment and retention and reduce sickness absence Courtesy of InverclydeNow.com Community and Social • Developers can maximise site potential by combining uses such as open space and SUDS • Local communities can take ownership of spaces to create safe, attractive places and develop community spirit • Proximity to green space boosts property values • Attractive locations for socialising, interaction, events and children’s play

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• Improved physical connections to places, friends, communities, The Green Network Hierarchy services, families and wider green spaces NATIONAL • Opportunities for community participation and volunteering The Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) is identified as one of 14 National Developments in the National Planning Framework 3 (NPF3) to make central Scotland a • Opportunities to temporarily use Vacant and Derelict and underused more attractive place to live. The CSGN initiative is expected to progress until 2050 with land which can impact negatively on communities public sector grant mechanisms being used to influence private sector landowners to create and enhance connections between green and blue spaces (bodies of water/ water courses) in urban areas and improve accessibility to the countryside. Its delivery must be considered and planned for at regional and local authority level when producing policy and making development management decisions.

STRATEGIC and the Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership is the lead organisation for delivery of the Central Scotland Green Network in the Glasgow City Region which includes Inverclyde.

Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Strategic Development Plan (GCVSDP) requires the eight GCV local authorities to reflect in their respective Local Development Plans how they will deliver the Green Network through planning policy and development management decision making. The inclusion in the GCVSDP emphasises the key role a high quality, multi- functional Green Network must play in the future success of the city-region.

The Green Network Spatial Priorities identified in the GCVSDP for Inverclyde are Upper Greenock, East Greenock and

LOCAL Inverclyde Green Network Study sets out an ambitious vision for the development of a Green Network in Inverclyde which aims to help ensure the Green Network is a key consideration in all development and policy making processes.

Cartsburn, Greenock The Inverclyde Green Network Opportunities Mapping for Inverclyde, carried out by the GCV Green Network Partnership in 2012/13, identifies hot spots for Green Network activity, Environment the main ones of which include:

• Linking existing habitats or natural features allows species movement Smithston / Gateside, Greenock Broomhill / Drumfrochar, Greenock • Appropriate management of waterside habitats protects aquatic Bridgend / Gibshill, Greenock species Fyfe Shore / Kelburn, Port Glasgow Park Farm / Oronsay, Port Glasgow • Creation of diverse habitats which are rich in flora and fauna ERZ and Ironside Farrar’s ‘Area Renewal and the Inverclyde Green Network’ studies identify an opportunity to create green links from the waterfront to the regional park at • Reduction of pollution and floods through natural drainage Greenock Central, Cartsburn, and Port Glasgow, building on and integrating with major regeneration and area renewal projects underway and planned as detailed in Policy MAC 1-7.

INVERCLYDE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 7 GREEN NETWORK

The diagram below shows the stages gone through, from a green network 3.0 THE INVERCLYDE GREEN NETWORK project being identified at strategic policy level until it appears on the ground as a completed project and where this Supplementary Guidance document The Inverclyde Green Network Study (2008) provides a focus for the fits into the process. development of a Green Network in Inverclyde that meets the aspirations set out at national level. Its aims are to: DIAGRAM 2: GREEN NETWORK POLICY AND IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS • Prepare a strategy for the development of a high quality Green Network across Inverclyde; Development Plans (Policy) • Maximise social, economic and environmental benefits and secure National Level the Inverclyde element for the GCV Green Network for the long term; Central Scotland Green Network and Ø Strategic Level • Identify ways in which the active use of the Green Network can be Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Strategic Development Plan (GCV SDP) encouraged and more sustainable approaches to long term Ø management introduced Local Level Inverclyde Local Development Plan (LDP) Vision for an Inverclyde Green Network Ø Supplementary Guidance ‘By 2025 the combination of its outstanding environment, high quality Inverclyde LDP Supplementary Guidance development and unrivalled location means that Inverclyde is widely recognised as an attractive place to live, work and spend leisure time.

Development Management (Determination of Planning Applications) This is reflected in high levels of investment, a vibrant local economy and a growing population. Communities are actively involved in managing their Masterplan environment; local people and visitors have a wide range of opportunities to (eg Area Renewal and the Inverclyde Green Network) experience and enjoy the area’s natural and cultural heritage. Ø Planning Application The Green Network has been at the core of the area’s transformation, Ø contributing to the regeneration of the Waterfront and the remodelling of Construction and Delivery residential areas, and forming key links within and between communities and Ø with Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. Development of the Green Network has Provision of Green Space delivered and continues to deliver a broad range of economic, community, (neighbourhood, street or individual site) health and environmental outcomes.’ Ø Inverclyde Green Network Study, 2008 Ongoing Maintenance

8 INVERCLYDE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN GREEN NETWORK

Policy Policy ENV3 – Safeguarding and Enhancing the Green Network The development of the Inverclyde Green Network aims to meet these aspirations through a variety of policies at strategic and local level. Inverclyde Council will support, safeguard and where practicable, enhance Green Network links in accordance with Supplementary Guidance on the Green Strategy Support Measure 8 in the GCVSDP states that the development of a Network. multi-functional Green Network will contribute to the economic competitiveness and quality of life of the city region and that delivery of the The provision of the Green Network should be a core component of any master Green Network should be a priority for Local Development Plans so as to plan or Local Development Framework. Where development proposals would ensure that key environmental, social and regeneration objectives are encroach upon or undermine the green network, alternative routes and green achieved. space will be expected to be provided or enabled. The Council will also seek to complete the following Green Network links as shown on the Proposals The integration of the Green Network into the fabric of new development, Map: and retrospectively into the existing urban environment, reflecting local distinctiveness and the needs and aspirations of local people, will be a key (a) Custom House Quay, Greenock – Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park contributor to the delivery of the placemaking agenda. The quality of both the built and natural environment, impacts upon the quality of life of all citizens, (b) Victoria Harbour, Greenock – Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park a fact which needs to be embedded within the principles applied throughout the LDP. This is done through the Sustainable Development Strategy Core (c) Coronation Park, Port Glasgow – Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Policies SDS3 Placemaking and SDS4 Green Network and through Policy ENV3 which outlines how the Green Network links in Inverclyde will be safeguarded (d) Spango Valley – Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. and enhanced to ensure elements of the right quality are created in the right places to achieve the widest possible benefits.

Policy SDS3 Placemaking

High quality placemaking in all new development will be promoted by having regard to Inverclyde’s historic urban fabric, built cultural heritage and natural environment, including its setting on the coast and upland moors. This heritage and environment will inform the protection and enhancement of Inverclyde by having regard to the Scottish Government’s placemaking policies, in particular through the application of ‘Designing Places’ and ‘Designing Streets’ and through embedding Green Network principles in all new development.

Policy SDS4 Green Network

The sustainable development strategy will be assisted and placemaking strengthened by safeguarding and where possible enhancing the existing green network of routes, as well as access to this network. Accordingly, new developments, in particular large scale renewal and regeneration projects, should embed ‘greening’ principles to contribute to the strategic and local green network wherever appropriate opportunities arise.

INVERCLYDE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 9 GREEN NETWORK

Assets

There are many assets in Inverclyde which form the foundation upon which the Green Network can be enhanced:

DIAGRAM 3: GREEN NETWORK ASSETS

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The Waterfront – is a key strategic resource for the area which at Proposed Green Network Projects in Inverclyde present is underutilised in many locations. The waterfront settlements of Port Glasgow and Greenock in particular have been disconnected from the Clyde Work carried out for Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership because of the industrial landscape which developed along the waterfront in in 2011 identified strategic ‘hotspots’ that are priority areas where green space the past. should be increased. These areas were recognised through an examination of:

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park – is another significant Green Network asset in • Where the Green Network resource currently exists and where there Inverclyde. It connects the settlements of Port Glasgow, Greenock, , are opportunities to improve the resource and and has several key resources such as countryside trails, cycle routes and wildlife habitats that are important elements of the • Where there are priority areas to expand the Green Network to Green Network. increase public access to green space and enlarge biodiversity habitat networks The Greenock Cut – is part of an aqueduct system that is located on the hills to the south of Greenock. It was recently restored and upgraded to provide part • Where there are major areas of land use change and social need of an access network that connects Overton and Cornalees Visitor Centre. Three strategic ‘hotspots’ have been identified in Inverclyde that are priority – lies to the north of Inverkip and is a popular resource with areas where green space should be increased. These areas of Upper Greenock, over 350,000 people visiting the area annually. A significant proportion of Greenock East and Port Glasgow, identified in the approved GCVSDP, are these drive to the site but there are proposals to extend the National Cycle shown in Diagram 4 – ‘Green Network Strategic Priorities’. Route along the coast to provide a link towards Gourock and beyond to the Inverclyde boundary. DIAGRAM 4 – GREEN NETWORK STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

NCR75 and NCR753 – provide a connection overland from into Inverclyde connecting Quarriers and Kilmacolm to the waterfront settlements.

Lyle Hill – provides a panoramic view across the Clyde overlooking Gourock, the , where the river becomes the of Clyde, and beyond to the Peninsula, the Holy and the southern Highlands.

Public Parks – there are a number of attractive parks within the settlements of Inverclyde including Coronation Park, Battery Park, Gourock Park, Birkmyre Park and Well Park which provide a range of facilities.

Harbours / Marinas - There are a number of harbours / marinas along the waterfront within easy access of the town / village centres.

In addition to the many formal or maintained assets in Inverclyde and the stunning views afforded by the topography of the area, there are many semi natural and informal open space areas which contribute to the quality of the environment.

INVERCLYDE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 11 GREEN NETWORK

The three links provide an opportunity through regeneration to resolve or Within Policy ENV3, three local Green Network routes have been identified mitigate many of the underlying problems in these areas. The establishment of within the main urban area of Inverclyde at Central Greenock, Cartsburn and an effective Green Network through the urban area will help redefine existing Port Glasgow to link the strategic coastal access routes at the Waterfront with neighbourhoods. In addition, the Green Network will play a role in redefining Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. These links, also shown in Diagram 4, lie within the the character of the urban area and physically and perceptually tying it to its strategic priority areas of Central East Greenock and near to areas of change wider landscape setting. This process will be taken forward by the Council as in Port Glasgow. Two of the routes already connect to the Park boundary while resources and development opportunities arise. Diagram 5– ‘Green Network a third, at Port Glasgow, is indicative and will be defined in more detail following Links’ shows in more detail how the proposed Green Network links would create further investigation. This third route is therefore not identified on the LDP green public routes through the urban area to Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Proposals Map. (for further details refer to LDP Background Paper ‘Area Renewal and the Inverclyde Green Network’ by ERZ). At present these local routes contain a series of physically disconnected and socially isolated neighbourhoods where there is an absence of public open space and a lack of a coherent Green Network.

DIAGRAM 5 - GREEN NETWORK LINKS :- WATERFRONT TO CLYDE MUIRSHIEL REGIONAL PARK

12 INVERCLYDE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN GREEN NETWORK

A fourth opportunity for a proposed Green Network route (shown on Diagram The Inverclyde Coastal Route also contributes to the Green Network links and 6) at the former IBM site at Spango Valley to the south west of Greenock was works will be undertaken to complete three main elements of the route. identified in the IGI study (2012). This opportunity is linked with the future redevelopment of the area (see MAC7: Spango Valley, south west Greenock), The section between the former and Ardgowan / and focuses on water management and access networks. These proposals are Bruaeacre Road, Wemyss Bay will be delivered through both public and private identified in the Action Programme accompanying the Local Development funding with the section within the Power Station site (see MAC4 in the Local Plan. Development Framework Supplementary Guidance) being completed by the developers. Sustainable access will be a condition of the planning permission DIAGRAM 6 – SPANGO VALLEY GREEN NETWORK LINKS for the site and in particular the provision of good coastal links.

At Kempock Point, Gourock the route will be incorporated into the town centre redevelopment which will consist of the road realignment, public open space provision, boating facilities and pedestrian links.

In Greenock, the route through the James Watt Dock - Garvel Island site (see MAC2 in the Local Development Framework Supplementary Guidance) will be implemented through the private funding of developers and will complement the predominantly housing-led mixed use development that is proposed for the site.

4.0 DELIVERY OF THE GREEN NETWORK

The planning system is one of the most important means of delivering the Green Network and ensuring that development respects and enhances it. Key roles for the planning system in delivering the Green Network vision are that:

• Planning should promote the development of multi-functional Green Networks – providing multiple functions on individual sites through the integration of different activities and land uses to maximise efficiency;

• Planning should promote the Green Network as a key contributor to placemaking and the enhancement of local distinctiveness;

• Planning should promote the inter-connectedness of individual sites to reduce social isolation and territorialism and create links

• The Green Network should be integrated in the design process for appropriate new developments;

• Planning for the Green Network is based on an understanding of place and its needs;

INVERCLYDE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 13 GREEN NETWORK

Context • The quality and function of green space and how it will be sustained should be considered from the outset; and • Location and surroundings which can be used to create places with character and maturity of an appropriate size, type and quality within • Proposals which would result in the loss or fragmentation of existing the site to contribute and connect to the wider Green Network Green Network components will only be supported if they contain mitigation measures to replace or enhance the existing provision • Wider Green Networks to which the development can be connected, or where developer contributions could be directed if provision within Guidance for Developers the development is not practicable, appropriate or desirable

Development of more than 10 houses shall require to contribute to the protection • Topography and how it can be used to incorporate infrastructure such or enhancement of the Green Network. Other types of development will also as drainage require to address the Green Network depending upon their scale, location and nature. This will be at the discretion of the Development Management team. • Natural features which should be safeguarded and incorporated into the development

This scale of development presents an opportunity to deliver the Green • Views into and from the site Network. The greatest benefits are likely to be achieved if Green Network elements are considered as an integral part of the development design • Hydrology and drainage (existing watercourses, groundwater, sewer process rather than added on later as an afterthought once other elements of network and soil types) the scheme are fixed. It is a role of the planning system, where appropriate, to embed the Green Network into new development and take account of the • Microclimate (sun, wind, orientation, exposure, shelter) impact a new development may have on existing Green Networks. Identity Where Design Statements are submitted as part of a planning application, the opportunities to deliver the Green Network should be included with an • Landscape character appraisal of the site and surroundings to identify the key characteristics of the site. In this document, the developer should demonstrate that their proposals: • Green and blue corridors

• Take account of the wider Green Network • Greenspaces

• Protect existing Green Network features • Flora and fauna

• Deliver Green Network enhancements • Wildlife habitats (woodlands, grasslands and wetlands)

Design Principles Connection To create a successful place requires careful design of the green infrastructure. Individual elements of green infrastructure can provide benefits in their own • Safe pedestrian movement from desire lines, green corridors, core right but links between these spaces and adjacent sites can produce paths, cycle routes, rights of way linking within and outwith the site and increased benefits. When looking at a site, three green infrastructure elements to public transport hubs should be considered – context, identity and connection: • Habitat networks, linkages allowing for the linking and movement of wildlife 14 INVERCLYDE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN GREEN NETWORK

• Vehicular movement, existing roads/transport connections, crossings Diagram 7 – shows how the proposed development site sits within the wider context which extends to an area 500m from the boundary of the site in all • Watercourse links for wildlife directions where connections from features in the development site to the wider network could be assessed. Besides these three elements, there are 6 qualities which are required to ensure the creation of a place of high quality. It must be: DIAGRAM 7 - SITE CONTEXT AND DEVELOPMENT SITE

• Welcoming - focus on the entrances

• Distinctive – reinforcement of local identity

• Safe and pleasant – creation of safe locations to socalise

• Easy to move and get around – clear connections of networks

• Resource efficient – creating design solutions out of resources eg SUDS

• Adaptable – addressing opportunities for a diverse range of functions

With development proposals, comprehensive mitigation measures must be set out where development proposals would adversely affect the Green Network and clear and robust long-term maintenance arrangements put in place.

Site Appraisal

The following diagrams provide an example of how the above principles would be applied to a proposed development site.

INVERCLYDE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 15 GREEN NETWORK

Diagram 8 below shows the context area outside the proposed development Diagram 9 below shows the area within the development site and the location site (up to 500m from the boundary). This shows the location of: of features which could link both within the site and beyond to the wider Green Network. This shows: • existing open space; • topography • international, national, and local natural heritage designations; • views in and out • core paths and cycle routes; • habitats • key streets with trees, hedges/vegetation • woodland/mature trees/TPOs • water courses; • water course • habitats; and • core paths,/cycleways/active travel routes • views into the site • prevailing wind direction that are in proximity to the site and could link to both the existing green spaces within the site and those planned. DIAGRAM 9 – DEVELOPMENT SITE APPRAISAL DIAGRAM 8 – SITE CONTEXT APPRAISAL

16 INVERCLYDE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN GREEN NETWORK

The site appraisal required will be proportionate to the scale of the proposed development. Developers should demonstrate in their planning application submission how their proposals have responded to the findings of the site and context appraisal.

Recording the various types of green space and links within the development site and the adjacent area ensures the most appropriate options to provide and enhance Green Network links are identified. This method can be applied to all development sites within the Local Development Plan where the sites are of an appropriate size to require assessment of the Green Network.

Summary

The safeguarding and enhancement of the Green Network in Inverclyde, as part of the wider strategic and national Green Network, will be promoted through the Local Development Plan. A number of projects are identified in the Plan such as the Waterfront to Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park links shown in the ERZ study and taken further through the Ironside Farrar study. These projects which will bring a variety of benefits to both residents and visitors to Inverclyde, will progress as opportunities and funding become available. In addition, applicants wishing to develop sites within Inverclyde that are of an appropriate size, will be required to assess the green space assets both within and outwith the site, identifying measures to create new green space and links as well as protect those already in existence.

INVERCLYDE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 17 GREEN NETWORK

References List of Diagrams

Scottish Planning Policy 2014 Diagram 1: Multi-functional and Inter-connected spaces

Planning Advice Note 65 – Planning and Open Space 2008 Diagram 2: Green Network Policy and Implementation Process Planning Advice Note 68 – Design Statements 2003

Green Infrastructure: Design and Placemaking, Scottish Government, 2011 Diagram 3: Green Network Assets

Draft Green Infrastructure Supplementary Planning Guidance, Fife Council, 2013 Diagram 4: Green Network Strategic Priorities

Green Networks in Development Planning – SNH Information Note 2012 Diagram 5: Green Network Links: Waterfront – Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Delivering the Green Network, Supplementary Guidance 2012 - GCV Green Network Partnership Diagram 6: Spango Valley Green Network Links Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Strategic Development Plan 2012

Inverclyde Green Network Study 2008 Diagram 7: Site Context and Development Site

Inverclyde Green Network Opportunities Mapping Report 2012 Diagram 8: Site Context Appraisal Area Renewal and the Inverclyde Green Network – ERZ 2010

Area Renewal and the Green Network: Case Studies – Ironside Farrar 2012 Diagram 9: Development Site Appraisal

Integrated Green Infrastructure Design Study – Spango Valley, Inverclyde 2012

Inverclyde Council Core Paths Plan 2009

Inverclyde Open Space Audit and Action Plan 2006

Inverclyde Council Open Space Survey Methodology 2010

Inverclyde Council Active Living Strategy 2013

Routes to Regeneration - The Inverclyde Access Strategy 2002

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Regeneration and Planning Inverclyde Council Municipal Buildings Clyde Square Greenock PA15 1LY

Tel: 01475 717171

E - m ail: [email protected]

W eb: www.inverclyde.gov.uk/ldp